Kia hatch ‘embodies emotion and energy,’ designer says

The new KIA Pro_cee'd three-door hatchback was on unveiled during the press day at the Paris Auto Show.

PHOTO: Michel Euler, The Associated Press

By David Booth, Postmedia News

Originally published: October 1, 2012

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This sexy three-door hatch is Kia’s latest take on its sleek pro_cee’d (and, yes, that’s how it’s spelled). A Europe-only model that desperately needs to come to Canada, there’s already a five-door version being sold in Europe (the new three-door is sportier, however, with firmer and lowered suspension). Currently powered by a 1.4-litre direct-injection four, a rumoured 1.6L turbocharged version with 183 horsepower just makes the pro_cee’d all the more enticing. “This car embodies emotion and energy through and through,” explains Kia’s prolific chief design officer, Peter Schreyer. We just say please proceed to bring it to Canada.

Kia readies advanced powertrains for production

According to Joachim Hahn, manager of powertrain engineering for Kia, we can soon expect some very advanced powertrains from the South Korean automaker despite its bargain-basement pricing. Already, Hahn says, Kia has moved on from the current Optima Hybrid 2.4-litre engine to a smaller, more efficient 2.0L “Neu” Atkinson-cycle engine. We can also expect to see a BMW-like continuously adjustable valve timing system that varies lift as well as cam timing. Indeed, Hahn says, future Kia engines’ gas pedals will actually vary the cam timing and not the traditional throttle in the intake manifold. Kia will also soon have a 10-speed automatic transmission ready for production.

Hyundai to release a Tucson powered by hydrogen fuel cells

Hyundai says it will put out a hydrogen-powered version of its iX35 (the Tucson to North Americans) sport-utility vehicle. Hyundai claims that the emissions-less iX35 will hit 160 kilometres an hour, accelerate to 100 km/h in 12.5 seconds and has a range of almost 600 kilometres (that can be recharged in minutes). The iX35 uses a fuel stack that converts hydrogen to electricity, which then charges the onboard 24-kiloWatt/hour lithium polymer battery and powers the electric motor. According to Hyundai, its design uses ambient oxygen rather than compressed air to fuel its fuel cell, raising efficiency by as much as 50%. Production starts in December but the final markets for the emissions-free iX have not been finalized.